ABERDEEN Science Centre will shine a light on the latest art trail to hit the North-east as it welcomes ten mini sculptures as part of Clan’s Light the North project.
The little lighthouses, now installed at the newly refurbished centre, have been designed and painted by ten local schools and sponsored by local businesses.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Supported by Clan’s event partner Wild in Art, the pupils learned about the sea and coastline, maritime history and renewable energy and climate change, topics which ASC strives to promote through its STEM based exhibits and workshops.
The exhibit offers visitors to ASC a taster of the official Light the North trail, which will see 50 large lighthouse sculptures designed and created by some of the UK’s most talented artists positioned across Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Moray, Orkney and Shetland from August 9.
Elaine Holland, Head of Operations at Aberdeen Science Centre said: “The Light the North trail is a brilliant project which raises awareness of a great cause, and ASC is proud to host the little lighthouses.
“The centre has over 60 interactive exhibits some of which are in the field of renewable energy, so the education behind this project aligns well with topics we are passionate about. It’s also a great way to show pupils and community groups how STEM is everywhere and can be applied creatively too.
“We’re very impressed with the school pupil’s artwork, and we would strongly encourage the public to come down and take a look at the sculptures.”
ASC is one of thirty venues across the region showcasing the mini lighthouse sculptures – of which there are 90 in total – with 75 schools and 10 community groups across the North-east involved in creating the works of art.
Once the trail has ended in October, lighthouses will be auctioned off in order to raise money for Clan. The funds will be used to support the charity’s mission to provide emotional support and wellbeing services to help reduce stress and pain for those affected by cancer.
Fiona Fernie, Clan’s Head of Income Generation and Business Development, said: “We’re delighted to have the support of Aberdeen Science Centre for Light the North! Clan is here for anyone affected by cancer, and we hope to reach even more people through the lighthouse trail.
“We’re thrilled to have engaged with 75 schools across the north-east and Northern Isles to inspire creativity while helping students to learn about cancer in a safe, supportive environment.
“Clan helps people live with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, but we need your help to continue to be there for them. We’ve seen high demand for our services while facing a significant drop in our income. Cancer is not going away, and our services are more indispensable than ever, so we want to encourage everyone to get out and support Clan through Light the North.”
The little lighthouses on display at ASC have been created by pupils from Hanover Street (sponsored by Northlink), Kingswells (sponsored by AAB), Kittybrewster (sponsored by Rig Surveys), Muirfield (sponsored by Dale Marine Services), Newtonhill (sponsored by Hydrasun), Orchard Brae (sponsored by Schlumberger), St Joseph’s (sponsored by Spectrum Service Solutions), Tullos (sponsored by Jasmine) and New Machar and Balmedie (sponsored by Interventek Subsea Engineering Limited).
Members of the public can view the little lighthouses at Aberdeen Science Centre by speaking to the ASC reception team, up until October 17.
With viewing visits for the mini trail limited to a 15minute slot, visitors are encouraged to book tickets to the centre in advance, offering either morning or afternoon sessions, to explore over 60 new exhibits across six zones.
Tickets can be booked via the ASC website: https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/product/admission-tickets/
Aberdeen Science Centre is based at the Tramsheds on Constitution Street and has been completely modernised and extended as part of a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.
